A major boon to the cryptocurrency and web 3.0 communities may have been provided by Dubai, which is already a famous tourist destination for these communities. The city passed its first ordinance aimed at regulating the operations of cryptocurrencies and digital assets such as non-fungible tokens, among other things (NFTs).

The Emirate of Dubai is attempting to establish itself as a world leader in the field of emerging technologies such as bitcoin and distributed ledger technology (blockchain).

The Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority, which will collaborate with all connected entities to enhance security and transparency for cryptocurrency investors, has been established in the emirate of Dubai, within the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

To Become a Hub for Web 3.0, Dubai Adopts Crypto Law

The Emirate of Dubai has passed its first cryptocurrency law and established a regulatory agency to oversee virtual currencies. This is in response to the emirate’s efforts to establish itself as a world leader in emerging technologies like bitcoin and distributed ledger technology.

The Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority, which will collaborate with all connected entities to enhance security and transparency for cryptocurrency investors, has been established in the emirate of Dubai, within the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of the Emirate of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence of the United Arab Emirates made the announcement.

The United Arab Emirates is a federation of seven emirates, with Dubai serving as the area’s financial powerhouse. As regional economic competition intensifies, Dubai has pushed for the establishment of virtual asset regulation in order to attract new forms of industries to the region.

The new law will be beneficial to even tourists who are entering Dubai on a UAE tourist visa as they can pay using the digital currency. If you are in Dubai and want to know more about it but your visa is almost due then check out UAE Tourist Visa Extension options to stick around and know about this new law.

According to a statement carried by official media, the Dubai Virtual Asset Regulation Law aims to develop Dubai and the United Arab Emirates as regional and global destinations for the virtual asset market.

Crypto law

According to expectations, the rule would be implemented throughout the emirate with the exception of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), which operates as a special economic zone and falls under the jurisdiction of the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA).

The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) has said that it will be developing its own guidelines for the regulation of cryptocurrencies in the DIFC in the near future.

In a similar vein, the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA), the UAE’s securities regulator, has indicated that it is developing its own regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies, which it expects to publish in the near future.

With the law now in effect, it effectively establishes a legal mandate for the sale and trade of cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin in Dubai, in contrast to the policies of many countries such as China, which are opposed to such activities.

What are Dubai’s Plans?

As part of the new law, the UAE intends to establish a Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), which would be responsible for overseeing and regulating these types of assets.

It is also expected to function as an independent authority under the Dubai World Trade Centre Authority, which will be in charge of overseeing the regulation, governance, and licensing of cryptocurrencies, non-financial tokens, and other virtual assets, among other responsibilities.

A number of key functions of the VARA include overseeing and controlling the trading of virtual assets, as well as ensuring that high standards of protection are in place, as well as monitoring transactions.
The VARA is also responsible for the transfer of virtual assets, the provision of management services, the provision of exchange services, the operation of virtual asset platforms and the provision of virtual asset custody.

Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority Roles

The law on virtual assets has been established, and the Dubai Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority will be in charge of overseeing and implementing it (VARA).

It is planned that, under the supervision of the VARA, the following methods will be used to achieve virtual asset regulation in Dubai:
• VARA would be established solely for the purpose of regulating cryptocurrency activities and related service providers.
• VARA would be tasked with the oversight of the trading and issuance of virtual assets and virtual tokens, among other responsibilities. Additionally, the organization will be in charge of approving and regulating virtual asset service providers (VASPs).
•The regulatory authority is responsible for ensuring that the personal data of beneficiaries is protected to the highest possible level.
• It must also keep track of virtual asset transactions in order to prevent price manipulation from occurring.
• Crypto trading platforms that facilitate the exchange of cryptocurrencies for fiat currencies as well as between one or more cryptocurrencies would be subject to VARA’s authorization and regulation.
• The companies that provide cryptocurrency transfer, custody, and management services would also fall under the ambit of the new law and would be subject to its regulations.
• Aside from the state-owned financial free zone, Dubai International Financial Center, the new law will be applicable throughout the entire city of Dubai (DIFC).
• The DIFC’s financial services regulator, the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), is developing its own cryptocurrency rules. It will be the single authority in the UAE mainland for licensing, supervising, and managing virtual assets activities and services issued for investment purposes.
• This will not include virtual assets that are used to make payments to other individuals or businesses in the UAE.

Dubai has been gaining ground with the crypto community

Many members of the web3 community have already expressed their preference for the country. The Dubai Media Office announced in December of last year that the Dubai World Trade Center will be designated as a crypto zone, from which all enterprises engaged in the trading of cryptocurrencies and virtual assets would be able to operate.

It was announced at the time that the city will create “rigorous rules” for investment safety and to prevent money laundering through a statement from its media office.

In conclusion, it is crucial to note that this law, which will be in effect from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette, establishes the responsibilities of the Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA), which includes the regulation, supervision, and control of virtual asset services.

It also specifies that the authority is tasked with organizing and establishing the rules and controls that govern the conduct of virtual asset activities, such as management services, clearing and settlement services, as well as classifying and specifying the types of virtual assets that may be traded.

According to the law, it is unlawful for any individual in the emirate to engage in activities without first obtaining authorization from VARA, and anyone intending to engage in virtual asset activities must first establish a physical presence in Dubai in order to conduct business.

Author Bio:
Robeena Brown
Travel blogger & destination expert living in UAE and works for local tourism companies like Arabiers. If you have been looking forward to touring Dubai, getting a visa, extending stays and exploring the city you can follow her on social media.